UK ports have been requested to block all access to Russian vessels following the invasion of Ukraine.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has written to all UK ports asking for suspension of access to any Russian flagged, registered, owned, controlled, chartered or operated vessels.
Further detailed sanctions against Russian shipping are being developed and further details will be shared shortly, Shapps wrote.
“The maritime sector is fundamental to international trade and we must play our part in restricting Russia’s economy interests and holding the Russian government to account,” the letter wrote.
“Russia’s assault on Ukraine is an unprovoked, premeditated attack against a sovereign democratic state. The UK government has been clear there would be massive consequences and a severe cost for any Russian military incursion into Ukraine, and, in coordination with our international allies and partners, we are developing an unprecedented package of further sanctions.”
However the analysis firm added that the situation could change rapidly, noting that cyber-attacks and fast-rising fuel costs are the main container concerns as of now.